International students in need of support for their mental well-being can now speak with a counsellor online or by phone 24 hours a day from anywhere around the world.

Through the keepme.SAFE Student Support Program, international students and students in U of G’s English Language Programs (ELP) can connect with trained counsellors who offer service in a variety of languages. Students can select counsellors who share a similar culture to their own, if desired, and access the service any time, day or night. Students can also book appointments for ongoing counselling.

“We are pleased to be able to continue to support the mental health of our international students no matter where they are living and studying,” says Alison Burnett, director of Student Wellness.

The program’s MySSP app lets students connect to counsellors via smartphone and access personalized mental health assessment tools, fitness plans and videos, and health and well-being articles.

Burnett hopes the collaboration with keep.meSAFE will help remove barriers that may deter students from reaching out for support. Access to the keepme.SAFE Student Support Program is available at no cost for international and ELP students.

International students and students in U of G’s English Language Program may connect with the keep.me SAFE program online, download the MySSP app or contact a Student Wellness navigator at 519-824-4120, Ext. 52131, for more information.